And David happens to be an iPad enthusiast. He uses iPads in his teaching, and it led him to the creation of the iOgrapher. I had a chance to speak with David about his invention and how it helps make the iPad an even better tool for making movies. So read on for my interview with David Basulto!

In 2004 I directed my first digital movie called Death Clique, all shot using a Panasonic DVX100 camera. It was revolutionary as it was the first prosumer camera that shot in 24 fps. And I edited it all in Adobe Premiere Pro on a laptop. This was all amazing to me. It proved to me that, by going digital, the craft was quickly becoming democratized. And I wanted in! I sold the movie to Netflix and Blockbuster.

What particular aspects of the iPad and iPad mini initially attracted your attention, with regard to filmmaking?

For me it was all about the advancement of mobile computing. A device that shot beautiful video, and stills, that i could edit on, and share to the world for such a low price. It is revolutionary in content creation.

Have you used the iPad or iPad mini for filmmaking projects before?

I am working on a documentary right now on MMORPG addiction called ForeverQuest. I am only using the iPad mini and the iPhone 5. My students use iOS devices for most of their projects because they all own them, and using their iOS devices, they can be fully in charge of their footage. They even edit at home!

What are some of the key reasons you see the iPad and iPad mini opening up filmmaking for students and beginning filmmakers?

The price point is huge - it significantly lowers the barrier to entry for students. For the mini, $329 buys you the base model. Then simply add $30-40 in apps. Suddenly, you have a production company in your pocket! Schools with no media programs can now create opportunities for students to learn the craft - and all for a very small investment.

How did you first start thinking about building the iOgrapher?

From personally working with my own footage and the projects students my students were working on. Even with the steadiest of hands, there is no way to keep the iOS devices stable. I realized that what we needed was clear: handles! Then i thought, "Let's add awesome microphones to capture amazing audio." So I started to sketch a design on the iPad using Paper app.

What were the primary needs that had to be addressed for using the iPad to make films?

Basically, I wanted to provide a stable environment for shooting, such as experience that handles or a tripod offer. I also wanted to provide a way to attach lenses to get wide angle or close up looks. Capturing great audio with an external microphone and adding a light source to improve the picture are all important too. And of course, having it all mobile to shoot on the go.

How does the iOgrapher address those needs?

The iOgrapher has a 37mm lens mount to attach wide angle, macro, and fisheye lenses. It has handles on both sides for steady camera shots. It can attach to a tripod. It has cold shoes to mount external microphones and lighting on top.

What did you do to design and build your prototype?

I sketched it on the iPad mini using the Paper app. I then sent it to a mechanical engineer i found in South Africa. When I got the design just right i then sent it to Shapeways to create a 3D print.